I was pondering on this from the "you know your from Miles City if issue." I believe if you think about it in how many households can you mention Bobby Kenny and everybody knows who that is! By the way I like Bobby and have told him I was posting this so I am not picking on him in anyway!

Herb Finkelstein hands down.

Bobby is a close 2nd, though.

Cheers!
FH

Not being from MC and judging by the posts here I'd have to put my money on Rick Kuchynka.

Rusty Shakleford.

Dead or Alive?

Butch Grenz (good or bad), everyone knows him

I was thinking alive. But how about both!

Alive: Bart Freeze

Dead: Leota Hendrichs

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr (edited 1/28/2009).]

I would have to say JIM MICHELS!!

Deceased - Ms. Johnnie Thomas

David & Ella Rivenes

Bert Elwood.

Dead:
Howard Letke for the MC teens of the 70's & 80's. Not sure how long he had an impact on the youth of MC...are you 90's impacted?

Repeat vote for Leota Heinrichs. KATl'S Party Line Radio Show was the daily voice of Leota's opinions for us all to hear.

Is this about popularity or notoriety?

Larry the Video Guy. A friend to everybody, but particularly the BigDryBug.

Leota Hendrichs was NOT a popular person in my household.

PURELY POPULARITY! I SEE NAMES I DON'T KNOW AND WOULD GUESS OTHERS DON'T EITHER. DOES EVERYONE KNOW BOBBY KENNY? I ALSO AGREE WITH BUTCH GRENZ TOO! JIM MICHELS AND LARRY THE VIDEO GUY I ALSO KNOW!

[This message has been edited by WATTS (edited 1/28/2009).]

Purely popularity?

I second Bert Elwood.

I remember when he ran for student council president in '77. His campaign slogans were memorable. There was:

It's Bert, not burp!

Don't worry....vote Berty.

The best "Bet" with an R!

Special on tulips! Today only!

BRrRRRrrrRRRRrrrr.......shiver-shiver........t.

...ahh...takes me back.

Cheers!
FH

You don't know Bart Freeze? I thought everyone knew Bart.

Sister Ruth Steffes. At 75+ years Sister Ruth would walk the full Crop Walk and then work a full shift at the old hospital (which meant walking and standing almost 8 hours and she rarely used the elevator.) What an inspiration!!

Top 3 both living and dead:

1. John Stone
2. Bobby Kenny
3.(if I remember right) Dick "the Ironman" Barsch????

I'd also say everyone in Custer County knows CW Wilcox

Gene Larson. If you don't know this nice man personally, you have certainly seen his wonderful drawings.

Wendy, you wrote "Leota Henrichs was NOT a popular person in my household."


Why not? Too opinionated?

John Stone! That is Classic Miles City Popularity! I love that trip down memory lane. I would guess most anybody could remember a moment where John Stone was a part of it.

Richard, Richard, Richard. It's Freese, not Freeze. But, I thank you for the nomination.

Man, most popular vs. most notable. That really becomes an age thing. Leota, God rest her soul, really was the best known in, what, the 60s and 70s. I think of those interesting characters that we grew up with that were always walking up and down the streets for "notable." In fact, and I don't want to use names, one well known interesting Miles City character was "known" beyond the city limits. We were in Ekalaka for the centennial, said un-named person led the parade. Well, ran down the street in the front of the parade. Some folks near us were talking and one asked who the runner was. The other said, "You know, that guy from Miles City." Well, they didn't say "guy". Lots of quote marks tonight.

Today, best known. Man, David Thompson is right up there with Christmas tree and Firework sales. By the way, our tree we got from Dave this year was one of the best we've ever had. Most notable over any time period. I'm with the Leota camp.

Funny, Watts, you posted as I was writing. Great minds think alike.

Even though I arrived too recently to know much about any of the notable people listed here, I think this thread ROCKS! Way to go WATTS!

Bart,

I have a feeling "that guy" may be the one I mentioned while you were writing. I too think Dave falls on my list and I personally don't know Leota. I maybe think that I was leaning towards the now popularity thing not the past. I am sure those in the past do deserve the credit though.

Thanks Steve,

Just wanted to do something fun on here!
You say you arrived too recently. Do you know anyone on the list? That could help prove how popular they are if you already know them and you haven't been here long!?

[This message has been edited by WATTS (edited 1/28/2009).]

Cynthia Gackles....aka "the Green Lady"

wow! forgot that one but way to go. I think someone is trying to fill her shoes, she usually wears mostly purple but I don't know if she is really trying to do the green lady thing. I have a feeling you and I are on the same page in this thing.Mention a name and you know your from Miles City if you know that name!

[This message has been edited by WATTS (edited 1/28/2009).]

I would have to vote for Sister Ruth. I remember her from my childhood. Through my adult life. She was at my family member's funerals even though they weren't Catholic, but had met her in the hospital. She always said hello to me and smiled. What a true treasure of a human being.

How about Rob Shipley? Anyone that goes to the golf course should be reminded everytime they drive by his house and used car lot?
Anyone remeber the Chicken Man from KATL (I Believe?) About as popular as John Stone at all the games! How about Jack Larson? Or Dr.Anderson? How About some of our longtime law officers like: Mike King(many knew him and hated him)! The list could go on and on! But I must second Butch Grenz, Mainly because he stood for what he believed at whatever cost!

Okay, change up. Kacey, I am 100% with you -- Sister Ruth. She fills both the best known and best person qualifications. Who else has been as devoted to, really, everyone? I remembered watching her go down our alley with her walker in the snow to collect aluminum cans to raise money to buy poor people eye glasses. Yes, Saint Ruth, ah, I mean Sister Ruth ! ! !

Sorry Bart! Guess I got too many "z"'s last night... or not enough.

Stacy,

Leota Hendricks drove my father, who was City Attorney at the time, nuts. Plus she used to sit in a parked car on Main Street on weekends waiting to see something to call the cops about. I found that rather strange and sad.

She drove a lot of city officials nuts because she didn't put up with their old boy network. I gave her credit for standing up for what she believed in.

Dr. Luther

I absolutely agree with the fact that she drove many a city official crazy, often seeming relentless,,,, but I also totally agree with Kacey, Leota stood firm on issues she believed in, and like it or not, the sitting on main waiting for things to happen was quite honestly to prove her point to those she went head to head with. Although I was younger when she served on the city council, I do recall she would bring issues to the meetings that citizens brought to her attention and because she wasn't part of the good ol' boy team - they blew her off.
She was one of our neighbors when growing up, and she had her quirks, and called a spade - a spade, but a side of her alot of people never got to see was that she had a BIG heart.

Did she get into some sort of legal trouble?

Sister Ruth used to deliver fresh baked bread to our house. My father would plow the convent sidewalks in the winter so they started bring bread.

Leota lived across the alley from us when I was young. I remember my mother saying that Leota knew more than what she would say because of threats she received. Leota gets my first vote.

On a very positive note, Ralph and Norma Hartse brought music to us all. I remember one year at the Pop Concert we got to play a song using pots and pans. Do they still have the Pop Concert in the spring?

I guess one can be thought of as 'popular' because they are very well liked or because they have other traits that make them well known by all or others want to be around them. There are sports figures who are very popular yet aren't very nice people. So Leota and some of the other characters are popular with folks for many reasons. The reason may not be because they are well liked.

There used to be a woman that walked with a cart and had long black bushy hair that lived in a bright blue house on Pearl near the old old hospital that we Wibaux Park kids called the 'googy woman'. Is that the green lady? I know she is not the most popular Miles Citian...but a citizen that is remembered for????

I second Dr. Luther. I also appreciated Jack Carr, even if he did help shut down the house (or houses) of ill repute.

Reading this brought back memories of Red "Crash" Cryer...not sure if I spelled that right. But I remember him well. Some people stay in your memory, no matter how many years have passed.

Jack Carr...an attorney around MC for decades and a very kind man.

I remember the name Red Cryer but can't remember who/what he was...Who was it that lived in that lean-to surrounded by junk, bushes, and a wire fence a block or so north of the golf course? He fixed anything you brought to him. He used to fix our bikes and TVs...

I would like to nominate the long-time Star sports writer, Gordie Spear...

...but I don't have it in me to name just him, so I would also second a few others already nominated: Dave and Ella Rivenes, John Stone, Bobby Kenny, DEFINATELY Sister Ruth and Jack Carr.

a couple others who are alive today: Tom Clarke and Miles Milligan.

Sorry, I can't pick just one.

WATTS: Do you know anyone on the list? That could help prove how popular they are if you already know them and you haven't been here long!?

Oh, I hope you don't regret asking that.

To begin, I ate lunch at The 600 when I arrived in town so I met Butch Grenz before my bags were even unpacked. I felt immediately comfortable because the food there has such a "home-made" quality - plus Butch gave me a hearty "welcome to town" greeting. So I can attest that both he and his business are great ambassadors for the Miles City.

Unfortuately, my arrival wasn't soon enough to meet Johnnie Lee Thomas - she died shortly after I got here. But I was so impresssed by the testimonial I read in the Star about her amazing life that I attended her funeral service just to learn more about her - which made me wish I'd gotten here sooner so I could have seen her in action. What a fine, fine lady!

I have had the pleasure of getting to know (a little bit) another woman who has led an amazing life -- the remarkable centegenarian Elsie Fox. I don't know how popular she is in town - although she's so sweet she should be. But on the notable scale, her life ranks right up there with the best and brightest. So, I would add her to your list.

I admired Gene Larson's drawings around town for months after getting here but didn't meet him until recently - I was thrilled!

As for people I have heard about but haven't met, those would include
Dave Thompson (I'm sure I would have met him had I purchased fireworks or a Christmas tree this past year).

Oh yes - Rob Shipley. While I haven't met him personally yet, I have certainly driven by and marveled at his claim to fame. Plus, he christened me with my very own milescity.com moniker - so I guess you could say I'm familiar with him ~ and him with me.

Speaking of which, I had the pleasure of meeting Ike Eichler the other day. Ike made a special effort to come by my office and introduce himself. It was a brave and "big" thing for him to do. I was impressed and we shook hands - Israel and Palestine could learn a thing or two from Ike. Since there is an Eichler Street in town, I suppose he (or at least his family) is pretty well known around these parts - so I'd like to add him to this list.

So, there you have it - the newcomer's perspective.

[This message has been edited by Steve Craddock (edited 1/29/2009).]

...and I know I'm biased about this one, but I'll add Basil Pius - the former MCC teacher who gave over 30 years to MCC, still teaches a class there now-and-then and keeps himself involved in the community in several ways.

Oh - I know a Miles Millegan - a musician who performed regularly in Austin. He has great talent, a wonderful voice, and is (to the best of my recollection) the only Black albino I've ever met. Is he the same Miles Millegan that Shu is referring to?

The Pius's were great people. I remember when we moved in across the street from them on Cottage and they came over and introduced themselves and brought fresh vegetables from thier garden. You sure don't get that kind of welcome into a neighborhood anymore.

In terms of who has had the most impact on main street in Miles City in the last 50 years, I have to go with my grandfather Buren Bonine. He owned Western Pharmacy which had two locations, the Squire Shop, W&S propane, and he was involved somehow for a while with the pro-shop at the golf course. He had a couple of ranches and a feedlot in SD. He also provided the financing for several development projects around town.

I would disagree and argue that "Main Street" Pete has had more impact.

Gene Cutting

Nut,

Thank you very much. I am very proud of all of the things my father did as a businessman in MC. He did make his mark in the 50's as a councilman and even acting mayor. Thank you for recognizing him.

Cory

Miles Milligan, with an i not an e. Definitely not the same Miles, whose family, and now himself has historic buildings, and can be found fixing kids/adults bikes downtown.

How many of these people have their own fan club on Facebook?
Bobby Kenny does! My nomination: Chuck Sawyer. He was a great inspiration to my sons when they were youngsters.

Gail Finch Shipek - I read your response and thought to myself, why don't I know this person, as I know every household that "lived across the alley from Leota" Albeit, embarassing,,, I think I lived in the same house you did! My folks bought the house (we both lived in) from your parents in like 1963-64?? My mother still lives there. How long did your family live there? Small world!

I am going to submit another vote for popularity citizen, when I agree with Shu on the vote for Basil Pius! He lives a few blocks from my husband and I now, and I get to see him nearly every day or so when he visits the grocery store. He was a great teacher @ MCC and always has something positive to share with every person he meets!
This is a great thread however, many of these Miles Citians bring back memories good/bad that had been forgotten!

I agree with CW Wilcox, and Leotta, she was inside and outside of town, but what about Fred Gedney or Birch Ray.

Larry the Video Guy. A friend to everybody, but particularly the BigDryBug

Only the inner circle got to see what was behind curtain #2

Rick, did you go behind curtain 2? If so does your congregation know that you went behind curtain 2. Remember Ted Haggard.

No. no!! The MOST famous Miles Citian is Violet Beauregard, the crazy gum chewing girl from the original version of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory!! Every one who ever saw the movie was taken "live" to Miles City Montana when Violet found a ticket to the Chocolate Factory.

I always heard it was the entire Lawrence Welk collection on VHS, so of course I never went back there

it was the entire Lawrence Welk collection on VHS

Well, there were a lot of horns getting blown, or so I'm told....

Well, it was a nice thread while it lasted ....

I think we just moved from the "most popular" to the "most notorious" Miles Citian. Then again, I could be wrong....

At least for this week it has to be Casey Stengel.
He received the Harvey Wolkey award for his volunteering in the community at the Chamber Banquet last Saturday night.
Well deserving to a very nice and humble person.

How about the "Good Ole Boys Club at MCFD(Rogers, Miller, Berg, Kransky, Mcgouhlin, Duffin and the list goes on. More importantly how about the the Guys and Gals at the CCVFC!(remember they do it for free, so they have my vote!)

I have to agree on some already mentioned:

Gordie Spear, the Miles City Star sports editor, who I worked with during three summers while I was at CCHS and MSU. I was the young cub reporter who got to do the crime, the city council meetings, and all those meetings that no one else could stay awake in!

The Rivenes -- fine peoople

Jack Carr, whose daughter Mary Margaret, was one of my favorites at SHHS.

Butch Grenz -- a classmate of mine from 1966

Robb Shipley -- who was a classmate (but graduated a year ahead of me with my brother John Mahoney)

I will add Irene Hoffman, mathematics teacher for many years at the HS, and Colleen Kohn, former county nurse who helped keep many of those in the whorehouse STD-free, and who took me in over the summers when I returned to Miles City from MSU and my parents were in Florida. Her daughter Donaleen Kohn was a close friend and I lament we have not kept in close contact.

Colleen Kohn is getting my vote - it's always important (and hilarious) to keep the "whores" STD free. Awesome

Ms. McDaniel - You really might want to clarify that last paragraph. If your name was Ralph or Edward, it might not be so bad the way I read it the first time. But, given that you're a Maryann...

I'd say that everyone in town knows these people:

Bert Elwood

CW Wilcox

AND!

Our old friend... Eric Brandt!

*Chuckles evilly*

The most popular of the 3, CW.
The most well known: Eric
The most computers in town: Bert!

I have to be biased here and mention my father Clinton Fretland. My father was so well respected and loved by so many people in Miles City. He was a great teacher. He was charming, kind, caring, and extremely witty. He was a gregarious individual who loved life and people. He was very much for the underdog. He used to mentor troubled boys by giving them a job on our farm. He never had a bad word to say about anybody. He was really good at storytelling and making jokes. I remember one time my mother telling me that they had to go to some school event and my father was scheduled to speak at that event. Five minutes before my father was scheduled to speak, my mother asked him if he had anything prepared. He said no. Then, just a couple of minutes before he got up to speak, he jotted down a few ideas on a napkin. He got up to speak and had nearly everybody falling out of their chairs with laughter. I think my father would have made a great standup comedian. I think what people loved about him was the fact that he was so real, genuine, and down to earth. He was also a very humble man. He was my hero.

I agree that Mr. Fretland was a very special man. I was blessed by knowing him. I would also add Mr. Bender to the list. As principal at Lincoln he seemed twelve feet tall to this first grader. As I got older I got to know the kind man he was.

Clint Fretland was a great guy. I also liked Mrs. Fretland. She seemed tough as nails but was a funny lady.

You are right. Violet probably wins most popular Miles Citian. She gets my vote. Leota gets my most popular around town vote.

Dan Conner was also a very good man.

Nice one Steve, I didn't catch that the first time around

I loved MR. and MRS. Fretland, great people. I had both of them in middle school. Mrs. Fretland's famous last words, "shut up before I start sluggin"

I also forgot to mention Jimmy Carr, Jack's brother. He volunteered many years at the V.A.

Bo Laird - Between teaching spanish at the high school and coaching Maverick baseball, he touched many, many lives.

Dr. Randall Rauh. Most every mother within 100 miles of Miles City knows Dr. Rauh. One wonderful physician.

Does anyone remember Bill Hawk? I would have to vote Bobby Kenny~
young and old alike, everyone knows Bobby!

how about another great guy "Jim Michaels"? He has been around awhile and always present during the BHS parade!

Dr. Maurice Hilleman.

None of the above would be alive without him.

None of the above? No one on the entire thread? Is he the sun?

I would have to say the Fretlands. They were wonderful teachers and will be missed. I used to always love to go home and see their "spread" on Haynes Ave. Now it will probably be turned into a Home Depot.

[This message has been edited by Jeff Newby (edited 2/7/2009).]

A Home Depot would be great! I was thinking it would become another casino! They will truly be missed whatever happens to their place!

MCC ought to buy the place turn it in the Fretland Dairy Technology Center. Miles CIty could become the new home of milk cows. "Ada the Ashire" could be come MC's more popular resident.

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr (edited 2/7/2009).]

i would have to add Terry Annalora to those who i considered well known, well respected and maybe popular in Miles City. Like the Hartses before him, he has inspired many a student in his years of teaching choral music at CCDHS. what a passion for music. I don't know any student that has had him that did not like and respect him. His music program at the high school is known state wide.

I might be confused, why did he leave CCDHS?

I am not liking some of the responses here in regards to my parents' property (The Fretland property). I merely responded on this thread to talk about my dad as being one of the most popular Miles Citians. I did not expect people to start talking about my parents' property. Just to set the record straight my siblins and I own the property now. What we do or don't do with it is nobody's business. It's not turning into a Home Depot and it hasn't been sold. Please do not make comments on this thread about my parents' property. Frankly speaking I don't like it!!!!!!! Please keep your comments and jokes about my parents' property to yourselves. The thing that it the most important to me is my parents. I love them, miss them dearly, and on occasion, feel so lost without them. They were great people and they didn't care about money, status, or prestige. They lived old age better than most people I know. They never gave up and just kept on with their lives. They were the greatest people I've ever known in my life. Please keep this thread to what it is - talking about all the wonderful people in Miles City.

Elin: I was speaking seriously as a way to honor your parents for all they contributed to the community and at the same time bring a new industry to MC.

Richard:

I do understand what you're saying. I'm all for new industry coming to Miles City. However, it is very difficult for me to hear and read what people think is going to happen to my parents' property. My parents haven't been gone that long - dad in 06 and mom in 07. I'm sure you understand that it's just too difficult for me to talk about, read, or discuss with anyone. I do know that it's natural that people will talk about the property and wonder what will become of it. I do understand that. But, it's very difficult.

Also to be added under the "most popular" and now to be added to the "past" list.... Casper Schaffer and Russ Rebsom.

Sister Ruth, Bobby, John Stone, The green and purple lady, and Main St. Pete have/were all been mainstays in the past couple of decades.

i am not aware of terry's departure from CCDHS. if that occurred, it has been very recent like within the last 2 or 3 months. Thought he was still there. I have only been gone from Miles for 2 months.

but then my last three months there i was in a moving frenzy, so it could have happened!

Russ Rebsom, awesome man, awesome family. Made my move to Miles City very welcoming and always had a smile on his face.

[This message has been edited by jackie stoeckel (edited 2/7/2009).]

C.W. is infamous. I remember the day he swore on tv when he thought it was turned off...among other things.

Yeah Doug hopefully it will be something that MC will benefit from. But with the way things go in MC it may end up being another Dollar Store. I like Richards idea better though. Let MCC have it and then they can use it for the new Ag program.

[This message has been edited by Jeff Newby (edited 2/7/2009).]

Elin
We are not trying to dishonor your folks they are still in my eyes very much remembered. All I was trying to say was I like seeing the land there and would hate to see it turned into something like a Home Depot. That land has has cows on it for as long back as I can remember. I just hope and wish it would stay that way.

I 2nd Russ Rebsom. Very funny guy.

Elin,
People would love to see your parents' home stay just the way it is. We respect what you have gone through in the loss of your parents and your child in such a short time. Know that many people care about you and ignore those who seem to come off a bit crass. They really don't mean it. Sometimes words just come out wrong.

I would also like to say that I miss Russ Rebsom. He was a wonderful man.

Okay, so a Russ Rebsom story.

Back in the stone age (1994) a friend of mine worked at star printing. I had just purchased a state of the art modem (2400 baud), and, to test the fax function, faxed my friend a picture of two amorously engaged young ladies, sans clothing. Hilarity ensued, mostly because the person collecting the faxes thought it had originally been sent by Montana Power, but by the time I stopped in, Russ had figured out who was responsible. "What the kind of faxes are you sending us?" is I believe a direct quote, but he was smiling when he said it, and he didn't fire my friend, so apparently he wasn't too offended.

Jackie's mention of Mr. Annalora reminded me of someone whose name I haven't seen yet on this thread: Paul Armstrong. Mr. Armstrong's shop class was right beside the choir room, and so every day during fifth period my freshman year we got to listen to the girls choir doing scales or whatever to warm up. One day Mr. Armstrong listened to this for a while, then turned to us and said... well he implied something that would be outside the bounds of a family friendly website such as this one, involving the temperature of Mr. Annalora's hands and the possibility that the choir members were wearing skirts.

I'm surprised Wally Badget and Jack Larson haven't been mentioned yet.

I bet Jack Larson is single-handedly responsible for god knows how many mis-guided youths finding a reason to succeed in life.

Don't think I would need to justify Wally, he's Wally!

I also second Mr. Annalora; he was simply on another level in regards to his skill as an instructor.

Who is Jack Larson?

...Jack Larson is the infamous high school ag teacher/ffa advisor now retired... He was head of the MCC Ag program for a while, and now I believe has moved on to another venture... I had him as a teacher in high school...and no matter what the topic, he always had a story! Very great teacher, and still remembers me, my brother and family when we see him around town. Thanks to Mr. Larson, I can wire a light socket without getting shocked!!!

Doug and Sami: I agree with your mention of Jim Michels. He has been a significant position in all of Miles City for 40+ years. Also, a little before your time, but in my time........Custer Class of 1965........Jim Ross. Jim and I were halfbacks on the Custer football team together with Ted Schrieber as our QB and Dan Dyer an end. Jim went to the Navy a year after I was drafted and joined the Navy. I became an air traffic controller but Jim became a Naval Aviator and flew.........TWO tours with the Navy's Blue Angels. I think Jim Ross must be never forgotten as a true Miles City person who did it all. Thank you.

Donna: Are you mentioning Carl Luther from the Junior College? If so, please reply to me as I have a really really neat story for Miles City.com of him.Great quiet gentle fellow he was. "Ship"

Richard: You are slightly in error about Buren having anything to do with "W & S Propane Company." R.D. Shipley and Harry Wiseman (thus the W and the S) crafted W&S in the spring of 1947. Wiseman was my dad's business partner until 1951 when Ship bought him out and he started Northwest Auto Parts in Billings. Buren and Helen Bonine did a great deal for Miles City and Main Street and this is absolutely all fact. Western Pharmacy was one of their successes as was the entire legacy of the Sun Dial Ranchettes from the former Bonine Ranch. My dad truly loved Miles City, actually, had his own style of *love affair* or *romance* with Miles City. Ship joined the Miles City Club in November of 1929, a mere three weeks after he became 21 and "old enough" to join the Club. Ship and Mary made a sizeable cash donation to the building of the Centra at MCC also. Dad was a Fish and Game Commissioner from 1952 to 1960 and is the one person who started the whole deal rolling to get Merriam's Turkey transplanted into Montana. But....without any question whatsoever from any source.......Bob Pauley and his father in law,Les Boe.......have to be two of the All Time Greatest ever from Miles City........hence the World Famous Miles City Bucking Horse Sale......which is and survives as the........ONLY ONE IN THE COSMOS. Thank you......Rob Shipley

So many of these name I can relate to in one way or another. My grandparents lived in the Michels' apartment building on Tompy(?) for several years and Jim was always so nice. I worked for Butch Grenz at the 600 for a few years. Terry Annalora was my choir instructor at SHHS before moving to CCDHS. I knew Sr. Ruth from church and from being a volunteer at Holy Rosary hospital. I would add Catherine Mathis. She taught many young Caledonian Dancers over the years and the Mathis place was one of my favorite on Haynes ave. It was sad to see it gone at replaced by WalMart last time I visited. Here's the kicker - my stepdaughter's husband's mother is CW Wilcox's sister.

"Richard: You are slightly in error about Buren having anything to do with "W & S Propane Company." R.D. Shipley and Harry Wiseman (thus the W and the S) crafted W&S in the spring of 1947. Wiseman was my dad's business partner until 1951 when Ship bought him out and he started Northwest Auto Parts in Billings. Buren and Helen Bonine did a great deal for Miles City and Main Street and this is absolutely all fact. Western Pharmacy was one of their successes as was the entire legacy of the Sun Dial Ranchettes from the former Bonine Ranch."

I talked with my grandma Helen and she cleared up my confusion. Buren worked for W&S for a short time between his leaving the 10 cent drug and starting Western Pharmacy. I was confused on this point. For a short time he owned a propane business in Glendive.

For the record the Bonine's had NOTHING to do with Sundial Ranchettes. My dad sold the ranch in the Pine Hills to Bill Shamely from Bryon, TX in March of 1972. Shamly in turn sold it to Townes who broke it up into ranchettes. Frankly, it was much more successful a ranch with 400 head of Black Angus cows than as ranchettes.

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr (edited 2/8/2009).]

Rob Shipley...I have to second some of the Miles City graduates from the 1960s who are quite significant...like Jim Ross. I remember him and watched his flights several times.

Maybe some day I will be famous!! All I want to do is play doctor with my husband sometime later this year when I get my doctorate in mathematics education.

Maryann Mahoney Siegmyer McDaniel

I would like to add Basil Pius to the list. He taught at MCC for thirty some years. I believe that he still teaches Mid East Culture at MCC from time to time. He's a great guy. He's also very involved in the community. He and his wife Babs take care of his disabled brother too. His name is Guya (not sure of the spelling). I think Basil still goes out and plays tennis on a fairly regular basis. He's seventy something and still going strong. He's very well thought of.

There is some great names on here:
Bobby Kenney
Basil Pius,
Russ Rebsom.
I would like to add a guy that has always been there for me and for the youth of Miles City and that is Gary Matthews
Also a great guy who wasn't with us very long was my friend and co worker "Darby" my money is on the home team

Hear, hear regarding Darby, Kent.

Elin,

My thanks and appreciation to you for seconding or thirding or fourthing my father, Basil Pius...I'm proud of my "Baba", indeed!

Just to clarify, my disabled uncle that he and my mom take care of is named Mishael, but we call him "Kooya". He's an interesting story. Kooya suffered a heat stroke as a toddler and suffered brain damage as a result. He had to be cared for by my grandparents, then my dad's older sister after they passed-on. Kooya lived in Basil's native country of Iraq until about a decade ago, when my dad wrapped-up YEARS of paperwork, work with politicians and red-tape to finally get Kooya out of Iraq, legally, and bring him to Miles City where my parents have looked after him ever since. They sort-of adopted him/sponsored him and it took ages to complete.

Anyway, someone had mentioned Dr. Rauh earlier...a couple other doctors come to mind, too.

What about Dr. Ed and Jessica Stickney? I know they both were quite involved in the community and Jessica was a politician for a few years. Also, Dr. Lew Vadheim...I really enjoyed being in his taekwondo class a few years ago and he kept himself busy with community stuff, too.

That's a great story about the Star and Russ, Bridgier.
Having worked at the Star for a few years, I can still hear the soft, sweet spoken voice of Russ saying (yelling)
"BENNERT! What the hell did you do to this copier?"
"BOOT!!"
"Katiewent!"
and my all time favorite...
"Slacker!" - usually reserved for the repair department and/or the poor soul doing store deliveries at the time. Oh yeah... and K. Cooper!

He had his certain "favorites" he loved to pick on. My sister quickly became one of them. She once drew a cartoon of him on his "Handi-capapble" 3 wheeled bicycle on his way to Frank's Body Shop to give her the BOOT. That one got hung up beside his desk. LOL

Yes, I do think Dr. Luther's first name was Carl, but I never knew he was at MCC. I had him when I was in HS. He taught some very interesting classes and I will never forget, "A penny for your thoughts, Miss Kingsley" and "Well, water dripping on a rock finally made an impression". My friend's first name was Honey, although she never went by that and hardly anyone knew. He made a point of mentioning her legal name and then saying, "I bet that gets a bit sticky, doesn't it?" Same shiny brown suit and red dotted bow tie day after day. If I remember right he was supposedly an amazing chef and drove a sports car?

I lived in an apartment with John Mahoney and a couple of other guys spring quarter of 1973 at the U of M in Missoula. I envied him because he always had such good looking girl friends and was a great golfer. (I am a 1969 CCHS graduate).

How about Casper Schaefer? I was at a wedding in New Mexico a few months ago and crossed paths with the mother of Tuff Hedeman, who was a rodeo star in the panhandle of Texas and Western New Mexico. When I said I was from Miles City, she wanted to talk my leg off. She knew Casper and the Pauleys and talked at great length about the times they had with them and her son in the rodeo circuit.

Also, Dr. Lew Vadheim...

Can't say that I agree. I know of a few people who would vehemently disagree.

You can add me to that list, Brian.

Chris.....

You made me smile and get a tears in my eyes at the same time. I miss that old fart that I called dad. He was one of a kind and I would love to hear more stories about him from anyone that would be willing to share.

Kristi,
Your dad was always to kind to me whenever I went into the store. He would laugh and tell me jokes. He never failed to make me smile. I miss seeing him.

For me, it's a toss-up between Scoop, Rick Kuchynka and C.W. Wilcox, all of whom are near and dear to my heart.

I lived in an apartment with John Mahoney and a couple of other guys spring quarter of 1973 at the U of M in Missoula. I envied him because he always had such good looking girl friends and was a great golfer. (I am a 1969 CCHS graduate).
___

I am John's sister Maryann. We moved to Miles City from Hampton, VA., in January 1964 in a blizzard. We moved from a city (Hampton) that had a higher population than the entire state of Montana! Miles City was a wonderful experience for us. John graduated 1965, went to U of M, grades not good, joined the Navy (and that is an interesting story, because he had the same high security clearance our father had during WWII). When He returned from Vietnam I was a married senior at MSU and he came and lived with us for about a month. He dated all my friends and was causing jealousy problems.

I graduated MSU in 1970 and then he returned to college maybe around the same time. He is now in Hawaii, managing a golf course and motel for a resort on the garden island. I have several nieces and nephews, results of various liasons. I miss him dearly and have not seen him since our father was gravely ill (and later died) about 3 years ago. He and I were very, very close growing up (his being only 13 months older than me).

Ryan Watts is the most popular Miles Citian that I know, and no not just for starting this thread.

But in all honesty one of the best people that I had the privelage to know was my hitting coach Bo Laird. He was responsible for a large amount of bug related accidents, those of you that played for him know what I mean. "Squish that bug".

[This message has been edited by Brian Hubbell (edited 2/23/2009).]

Thanks Hubz,

I think many of us baseball players remember "squishing the bug"

I don't feel that I am most popular though. Go Bobby Kenny!!!!

ANYONE HAVE MR. HARTZE AS A BAND DIRECTOR. IF YOU DID, YOU WOULDN'T FORGET HIM!!

I have to vote for my grandfather Wes Wells. Who was popular with the farmers and ranchers as he was always called when one of the tractors or farm trucks needed to be fixed. I remember going to see him at his shop which was somewhere by Mac's Frontierland. Before he passed away in 2003, he was out at Herzog's Farm where he has his shop set up. I loved that guy. Grandpa took me hunting in 2001 just after I moved up here from AZ. Had the best time.

My other vote would have to be for Darby. Right there with you Kent. He was one special man and I miss him dearly. I loved to listen to him on KATL. "My money is on the home team".

Jack Larson, one of the best people you will ever get to talk to. Allways with a smile, and has a good story to tell you. I've never had him as an official teacher, but he does still help out alot with FFA and is there to lend a hand when you ask.

The crazy old woman who lived on Pearl? I think her name was Rose. I used to walk to school everyday & I'd take the alleys cuz it was shorter, & she used to stand out there in her undergarments yelling "CAT. CAT" SHE WAS SO COOL, BUT CRAZY

Have I voted for Main Street Pete?

By far the most memorable people to me are Frances Cummings Grasky RN, Edith Halsey Campadonaco RN, Della Walker (Della's Cafe), Duncan Skinner from CCHS, and of course, my dad Bill Damm.

I would vote for a History Instructor by the name of Kiely(?) at the Junior College when it was still at the old Milwaukee Depot.

definately Booby Kooney, sorry, i know that's not his name but that's what we called the lil dude when we were kids & it just kinda came out. everyone knows that guys. when will we find out the winner?

Oh My goodness you all (most) have me walking down memory lane. Cynthia (yes the green lady) and then there were two sisters who won a trip to Las Vegas and the city did not want them representing MC so they pd them off...Snow White and Sleeping beauty? Leota yes contraversal but she would really get us stirred up for causes even though she was so long winded on the radio. Who was the man that recited anything and everything. Bless there hearts one and all. It is the abnormal ones that make a community colorful and they are remembered. If there is ever a teacher category I vote Dr. Carl Luther. Does anybody remember him? A penny for your thoughts.

Sister Ruth was a hoot and so wise. She shared some of her wisdom with me once. Hi Gail

Miles City did/does have the colorful characters. There was a big guy that rode a bicycle all over and would stop, pick up his bike and hold it over his head in the middle of the intersection - usually at lunch hour.

The Crazy Lady (purple and green, wearing thongs in the wintertime dragging that cart all over) - kids were mean to her but she was harmless.

I guess we have em in the bigger cities, we just don't know who they are.

And Mark Lester - liked to hide behind trees and shove kids off their bikes when they were riding by - wonder how he turned out.

Jude: Are you thinking of Richard Donetti?

Does anyone remember Pooky Ayers? I remember the name, but can't remember who he was... Also, "the bouncer" who always stood by the live bands at the Alta, wearing one of those caps with ear flaps?

The first citizen I really remeber when we first moved to Miles City in 1993 was a guy driving a tractor with a very large umbrella. I cant forget Allison Campbell(the animal lady lol). I miss all the people there. We moved away in 2001.

Some army guy by the name of General Miles comes to mind...

I'm going to have to agree with Dr. Rauh...As handsome a guy there ever was...and a pretty good Dr. to boot!!!!!

Don't know if I'm terribly comfortable reading a gynocologist referred to as "handsome."

Why not Brian? Doctors can be handsome, whether they're a gynocologist or a dentist.

a

It's a joke, T Brown. (That's why I posted the smiley)

BLT - What's it like to live without a sense of humor? It must chafe a lot. And how is it possible to have your feelings hurt when you're dead? No wonder zombies are so pissed!

A life without humor is hardly worth living. Lighten up and live longer.

There is no such thing as a good looking proctologist, I don't care who you are. It's never good to see a proctologist...

I know it was a joke Brian!!!! I've read a lot of your replys and I can tell a real funny guy when I read one!!!

I don't suppose you found any?

You mean, people think I'm joking when I post online?

I am a very serious person.

Does anyone remember Pooky Ayers? I remember the name, but can't remember who he was...
Pooky Ayers lived across from us on Dickinson St by the VA. We played 'kick the can' with his boys Jeff & Doug. Jeff was the fastest runner I every saw. I didn't know Pooky was a famous remembered MC citizen. I don't know what happened to any of them.

Steve Ayers was the oldest son. Pooky was a serious alcoholic when I went to school with Jeff and Doug. Jeff's first wife was my friend and I adored his little girl, Kathy Jean.

Ah, yes, Dr. Luther. I was never sure whether to be afraid of him or amused by him.

Now that I am a teacher I say that combination might apply to me!

Yes, I also agree with Dr. Rauh. My mother was his nurse for years. I was visiting there one summer and had serious pregnancy complications--we thought my son had Down's-- and Dr. Rauh was so compassionate and walked me through how to get better testing in Portland, OR and I flew there. It was not Down's and it was an unusual situation that resolved itself. I will never forget how kind he was with my distress. My mother, his nurse, always called him "a prince of a man".

I think I am too young to actually know of any of these people, and moved away too long ago, however I do remember Bart Freese cause he was my principal so that is who I am going with!

Judging from the column "Amorette the Historian" - we need to add Amorette's name to the ever growing list of Milestown luminaria.

btw: The first time I saw Amorette was at Johnnie Lee Thomas' memorial service. She was wearing a black 19th century hoop dress and bonnet. I had no idea who she was, but I knew instantly that she was going to be entertaining! I haven't been disappointed.

Bart Freese has been nominated twice and now Amorette. Quite the showing for the Freese family.

I'm going to nominate Larry Antram. Expat or not, he's got my vote.

Seconded.

Don't forget Jean Freese...she is another great MC person!

Im voting for Bobby Kenny! Did you know he has his own fanclub on Facebook? Everyone young and old knows him. If miles city could have a mascot it would be Bobby Kenny

How about Jerry Singleton?

What about Pete Leo? He's the 90 yr old that is always walking, give you a thumbs up. He's definately an icon for M.C.

A second for Pete Leo, and adding his late wife, Catherine, and father, Sam and wife, without which the "harvest dinners" at Sacred Heart put on by this family during the 1950's would not have happened! This whole family was/is an encouragement for the folks who knew/know them. They always had a special place in their hearts for young folks and great encouragers! Kudos!

Wow... I had totally forgotten about the harvest dinner. Yum, Yum.!

I may have nominated some of these before. Irene Hoffman was my geometry teacher at CCHS and she is reason I am getting my doctorate this year, over 40 years after high school, in mathematics education. Another inspiration was our principal, Mr. Albrecht. I graduated in the 1960s. I also remember so many wonderful people at the Miles City Star, Gordie Howe comes to mind, where I worked when in HS.

Maryann - I'm assuming that you mean Gordie Spear?

haha

Hello everyone - I'm new here, having recently discovered this great link to my hometown. Reading this thread sure brings back memories!

I too graduated in the 1960s and enjoyed seeing Irene Hoffman's name here -- she terrorized/inspired/entertained so many of us!

I have a couple of names to nominate from the "old timers" group - wondering if any remember Father Pat, and would also like to mention a couple of other "characters" that helped build Miles City - Bill Nefsy and L.P. Anderson. I think there are probably more than a few stories about each of those.

I went into LP Anderson Tire on Montana Avenue in Billings to get tires one time. Of course, there are different owners now, but they kept the name. There was a chair I was sitting in that had a hole in the arm rest. The owner told me that LP used to come to that store and sit in the chair. He would take his pocket knife out and twist it, making the hole. He whittled a hole all the way through the arm. The chair was old and very uncomfortable, with a leather seat. I loved that story. LP and my father were friends, and I heard stories about him occasionally. Too bad the Miles City store didn't keep the name.

wow! Cynthia Gackles has got to be on the top of my list. I remeber her walking by my house every day when I was a little girl. She always had her head crouched down and purple and green snow boots. I have always known her as the purple and green lady! funny how these things jogg your memory a bit!

Maurice was known worldwide. He is probably the most well known of anyone born in Miles city maybe because we didnt have a senator born in Miles city, so far as I know.
However, we seem to be talking more about home town popularity here.

I went to LP's store with my brother in law Bill Stanton. Bill was talking to LP and he saw that I had new 1966 Olds Toronado. They said lets take it out and see how fast it will go. I sat in the back seat and Bill open it up on the highway. It got up to 120 miles an hour and they agreed it looked faster than was.

[This message has been edited by Dr. Robert L Jacobson (6/21/2009)]

I would like to add Delbert Hanson to this list. He was a very talented fiddler and was very involved in town. He owned and ran the Red Rock Bowling Lanes in the 70's and I believe into the 80's. He was very involved with his ranching before he decided to move to town. I doesn't seam like I talk to anyone and when I tell them my last name is Penrod they immediately connect me to Delbert. Again I would like to add his name to your list as you can't find many who can say the know or knew a nicer gentleman

HOW ABOUT JOHN STONE. REMEMBER THAT GUY. HE WAS EVERY WHERE WALKING RUNNING.HE WOULD RUN AOUND TOWN JUST FOR FUN.I PAST THAT GUY ON 59 SOUTH ON MY WAY TO 12 MILE TO FISH.AND A CUOPLE OF HOURS LATER THERE WAS JOHN STONE.

How about Scrap Iron Patch! He was inducted into the Rodeo hall of fame, he worked many rodeo's as a clown, and put Miles City on the world map.